Dad-of-three creating boxing 'community' to keep kids on a positive path

David Morris, a school sports coach and qualified boxing coach from Leigh, set up Boxing for Better earlier in the year after noticing a lot of anti-social behaviour and knife crime occurring in Leigh and the surrounding areas.

Concerned about the world his three young kids will grow up in, he decided to use his skills as a boxing coach and amateur boxer to create a community hub that engages with kids and gives them an outlet to express themselves.

David Morris (middle) and the Boxing for Better team

With the main hub at Higher Fold Community Centre in Leigh, David is expanding the project to four locations across the borough to reach as much people as possible, and offer all kids the same experience at no cost to them or their parents.

David, 30, said: "The club is a community programme to push kids towards doing positive things and reach their potential.

"Boxing is a really good tool to engage people, especially those down the wrong path as it offers an outlet and a place to socialise and get fit.

The club teaches kids boxing as well as a host of life skills

With council funding and sponsors helping the club remain free and local businesses donating food to the youngsters, David explained the focus of the group is centred around giving back to the community and removing all barriers for kids to get involved in community projects.

With a wider focus than just boxing, these projects have included life skills and first-aid training, education, mental health support and even litter picking in the community.

The sessions at Higher Fold run every Monday night and kids between the ages of 9-16 are encouraged to come down to join the boxing community.

The group will also be expanding to running sessions in Wigan, Platt Bridge and Shackerley to reach as many people as possible.

The Boxing for Better team at Higher Fold Community Centre